Sexually transmitted infections / Bloodborne viruses

The most comprehensive source of data on sexually transmitted infections in Northern Ireland is provided by the Sexual Health and HIV services in each Trust area. 

HIV/AIDS

Surveillance arrangements for HIV/AIDS infection are based largely on the confidential reporting of HIV infected individuals to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

HIV surveillance reports:    
2023 Northern Ireland HIV data (2022 data)

Further Information:
Blood-borne viruses/ STIs | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)
HIV | nidirect

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is transmitted parenterally and sexually. Transmission most commonly occurs following sexual intercourse, as a result of blood to blood contact, including injury with contaminated sharp instruments or other equipment by intravenous drug misusers, or by perinatal transmission from mother to child.

Transfusion-associated infection is now rare and adequate treatment of blood products has eliminated these as sources of infection in the UK. A hepatitis B vaccine is available and routine immunisation of at-risk groups is recommended. These include certain groups of health care workers, babies born to hepatitis B positive mothers and injecting drug users. 

Hepatitis B is a notifiable disease.

For further information about hepatitis B, please view the following:

Blood-borne viruses/ STIs | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)

UKHSA Hepatitis B: guidance, data and analysis

Northern Ireland Hepatitis B & C Managed Clinical Network

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/hepatitis

Annual reports 

2021
2020
2019
2018

Hepatitis C

Infection with hepatitis C virus is associated with intravenous drug use or blood products. Sexual, vertical and occupational transmission do occur, but on a less frequent basis than HBV. Transfusion associated infection is now rare in the UK. A vaccine for hepatitis C is not available. 

Hepatitis C became a notifiable disease in July 2021.

For further information about hepatitis C, please view the following:

Blood-borne viruses/ STIs | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)

UKHSA Hepatitis C: guidance, data and analysis

Northern Ireland Hepatitis B & C Managed Clinical Network

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/hepatitis

Annual reports 

2021
2020
2019
2018

STI information/reports